Asbestos
Asbestos is a set of six different naturally occurring silicate minerals. All of these minerals have a thin fibrous crystal shape. These mineral fibers have been used in a variety of building construction materials for their insulation and fire-retardant values. Because of its fiber strength and heat resistant properties, asbestos has been used for a wide range of manufactured goods, mostly in building materials (roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, and asbestos cement products), friction products (automobile clutch, brake, and transmission parts), heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings.
When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed by repair, remodeling or demolition activities, microscopic fibers become airborne and can be inhaled into the lungs, where they can cause significant health problems.
The prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause serious illnesses, including malignant lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Long term exposure to high concentrations of asbestos fibers will cause health problems.
Building Materials Known to Contain Asbestos
- Pre 80's drywall and joint compound
- Plaster
- Pre 80's mud and texture coats
- Vinyl floor tiles and sheeting
- Pre 80's roofing shingles and composite siding
- Popcorn ceiling texture
- Thermal pipe and boiler insulation
- HVAC flex duct connectors
- Ceiling tiles and low density insulating board
- Vermiculite attic and wall insulation
Vermiculite Attic Insulation
Common in 1950's and 1960's houses around Saskatchewan. Zonalite is the commercial name for the product. It is composed of the mineral vermiculite which was almost entirely mined in Montana. Vermiculite doesn't actually contain asbestos within its mineral structure but is contaminated by asbestos zones within parts of the mine. Vermiculite insulation is not of major concern as long as it is left undisturbed and does not release any fibers into the inside of the house. If you find vermiculite in your attic make sure to seal up any holes/crack that lead from the inside of the house to the attic space. Do not store anything in the attic and do not crawl around in the attic. If you must access the attic make sure to lay down boards on the rafters as to not disturb the insulation.
If you plan on remodeling or removing the attic insulation make sure to have us test it before. This will let you and/or your contractors know what you are dealing with beforehand. If asbestos is discovered it is always recommended to leave the removal to the professionals.
If you plan on remodeling or removing the attic insulation make sure to have us test it before. This will let you and/or your contractors know what you are dealing with beforehand. If asbestos is discovered it is always recommended to leave the removal to the professionals.
Ceiling Tiles
Modern ceiling tiles do not contain asbestos. Pre 1980's ceiling tiles sometimes contained asbestos for it's soundproofing and fireproofing properties. If you are unsure if your ceiling tiles contain asbestos and would like to have them tested give us a call.
Asbestos Floor Tiles
Asbestos was commonly used in flooring tiles before the 1980's. Because the asbestos fibers are tightly bound by the other tile components they are generally considered low risk if kept in place and undisturbed. If flooring tiles become aged and worn they can become friable and can release small amounts of asbestos into the air. If you would like your flooring tiles tested please give us a call.
Asbestos Siding
Asbestos was used in older cement siding. These can often be seen on older pre 1960's homes around Saskatchewan. Just like asbestos containing tiles they are of low risk if left in place and undisturbed. It is when the siding is cut and broken that there can be concern. If you are planning on removing your older siding or just want to know if your siding does contain asbestos give us a call and we can test it for you.
Asbestos Insulation
Older boilers and piping can be covered in asbestos mud or asbestos insulation. This can be costly to remove and can be dangerous if disturbed. If you are unsure if your boiler or older pipes are coated in asbestos give us a call.
Pricing
Please call for our current pricing.